More Fatal Accidents Reported this Winter than Last in Connecticut

According to AAA, in Connecticut, there has been a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of fatal accidents reported this winter than last.

As of mid-March, 47 fatal auto accidents have been reported. Last year, between January and March, only 34 fatal accidents were reported. The data comes from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and may not include victims of Connecticut crashes transported to trauma centers out-of-state after a crash.

There are several reasons why traffic fatalities may be increasing. A warmer winter may be responsible for the 38.2 percent increase in Connecticut. Less snow means drivers are hitting the roads and some are not slowing down as they usually would on snow or ice-covered roads. Data from the UConn Safety Research Center reveals that the last time there were more than 40 fatal accidents between January and March was 2012; this was also the last time the state had such little snow.

Another study released by the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation revealed that auto accidents in clear weather are actually worse than those in bad weather. In bad weather, there are 50 percent fewer fatalities.

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that traffic fatalities increased by 9.3 percent during the first nine months of 2015 when compared to 2014.

According to the NHTSA, the overall increase in 2015 traffic fatalities is likely due to lower gas prices that have increased the number of drivers on the road. There was a 14 percent increase in traffic fatalities in New England when compared to 2014.

At D'Amico & Pettinicchi, we understand that the unexpected loss of a loved one can be devastating. If someone you love was fatally injured in an auto accident caused by a careless driver, contact our wrongful death lawyers. You have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for your losses.